Miscellaneous

Since the first quarter, the earnings surprises have been getting smaller and we expect that to continue based on anecdotal read more

Since the first quarter, the earnings surprises have been getting smaller and we expect that to continue based on anecdotal evidence that analysts know the economy's moving faster and all the pre-announcements that come out now,

Further improvement in earnings and additional declines in the unemployment rate is likely to boost overall confidence and keep consumption read more

Further improvement in earnings and additional declines in the unemployment rate is likely to boost overall confidence and keep consumption strong.

The claims data are telling us that the labor market is continuing to improve and growing at a rate of read more

The claims data are telling us that the labor market is continuing to improve and growing at a rate of about 200,000 jobs a month.

The fact that households are saving so little, even with strong growth in personal income, is a potentially troubling development.

The fact that households are saving so little, even with strong growth in personal income, is a potentially troubling development.

On net, we'll see some damage and a hit to corporate profits and proprietors' income, but that effect is temporary. read more

On net, we'll see some damage and a hit to corporate profits and proprietors' income, but that effect is temporary. But in the next quarter, we will get some mild stimulus from the rebuilding. Certainly, it will have no major, permanent effect on the economy.

Warm weather and a post-December rebound in new activity will likely boost construction payrolls. Retail employment should also enjoy a read more

Warm weather and a post-December rebound in new activity will likely boost construction payrolls. Retail employment should also enjoy a post-holiday boost.

For the third quarter, analysts are bringing their estimates down again, but not by as much as normal. Analysts have read more

For the third quarter, analysts are bringing their estimates down again, but not by as much as normal. Analysts have caught on and adjusted their models accordingly.

Investors should remember that if we do see companies start hitting estimates and not beating them, that wouldn't be such read more

Investors should remember that if we do see companies start hitting estimates and not beating them, that wouldn't be such a bad thing. It would mean there's less earnings management going on.

There's a lot of confusion in the marketplace. People are pretty fearful.

There's a lot of confusion in the marketplace. People are pretty fearful.

Ah, the creative process is the same secret in science as it is in art. They are all the same read more

Ah, the creative process is the same secret in science as it is in art. They are all the same absolutely.